When a neice called me up a couple of months ago to say that she will be in Vancouver for a project, I immediately started looking for flight tickets. Of course, it wasn't until she got somewhat settled that I made real plans to go there. I had visited Vancouver a few years ago, and was quite smitten with the place and the surrounding area of British Columbia at that time. So this was a good excuse to go and hang out in the city, where she is now living it up in a downtown high-rise.On my previous trip I had been to Victoria, which is a charming ferry ride away to Vancouver Island, and had done the obligatory road trip to Whistler, which was also beautiful. This time, I just wanted to spend more time in the city, walk around and use the skytrain, go bicyling, and enjoy life in the city itself, and had a swell time doing just that. The weather was gorgeous on all the days, in fact, it was too hot for this time of the year, but that is any day better than rain.
Vancouver is a vibrant young city, very compact and easy to navigate, surrounded by water and mountains, with plenty of places for good food, and lots of activity. We started off by walking along the waterfront, and then later in the afternoon took the seabus to Lonsdale Quay. Walked around the market there, had a crepe with ice cream, and returned back to continue walking in Gastown.
I had been to Capilano before, so this time we went to Lynn Canyon, where there is a suspension brige as well, from where we hiked up to Rice Lake. Spent the gorgeous evening later at Kits beach, in the Kitsilano neighborhood. The day was heating up so much at that point that I actually got tanned.
Another thing we did was to rent bicycles and go riding along the seawall in Stanley Park. Awesome. Part of the seawall is closed for reconstruction right now, which took away some of the joy of doing the whole loop of the park along the water, but there was still plenty to enjoy.
The only place that got a repeat visit was Granville Island - I love it. There is the public market, cute stores to browse, and it is easy to get to from downtown either by bus, or across the False Creek by aquabus.
Will leave you with some more pictures. You can click on an image to see the larger version.
7 comments:
And what beautiful pictures they are. I hope you had a good time.
this is the first time visiting this blog and wow the pics are grt..we are planning for a trip to canada..and luckily here is the post on vancouver...can u plz tell me whether we have to take any tourist visa to visit vancouver from US.If so where are we supposed to apply for the visa??
thank you
Thanks Cynthia, I had a fabulous time!
anonymous, whether you need a visa or not would depend on your nationality and status, and I suggest that you check an official site for the rules and regulations accordingly.
Oh beautiful! brought back very nice memories of my visit a couple of years ago. I also went in late May, and it was gorgeous. Walked around Granville Island and Stanley Park, I loved that. What a stunning place it is.
Lovely pictures! You make me want to go there right now.
I am salivating at the picture of the deliciousl looking pastry though. Did you get to taste any of those?
Thanks desiknitter, I think Vancouver has gone very high among the places I love after this visit. Hope you are having a superduper time at home too. Have been following your adventures of Hong Kong and Govardhan thalis. :-)
Anjali, do visit when you get a chance. Funny you should ask if I ate any of the pastries - I had the cheesecake which is in the photo, and it was sinful. Oh, and this is only one section of the entire display case.
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